At a glance

Your chance to

At a glance

9 nights hotels and 3 nights lodge, all en suite, 1 night houseboat Interesting mix with one night at a 4-star hotel and one night at a comfortable safari lodge

10 days (including 1 short ride) cycling with 100% vehicle support

Mostly surfaced roads, a few rough sections

Quiet backroads with higher traffic levels near the cities A more demanding cultural road trip, but with an overall downhill bias

Explore South India by bike

Beautiful landscapes, fascinating towns, stunning beaches and superb food, southern India is an excellent place to explore by bike. From the cool heights of the Western Ghats, where the sanctuaries hide excellent wildlife, to the quiet backwaters of Kerala, where Hinduism has produced elaborately decorated temples, this trip offers the chance to cycle through colourful villages where rural life has remained little-changed for centuries. The final coastal ride to Varkala rewards us with time to relax on the beach and reflect on an unforgettable experience.

Cycling profile

Daily distance in km/miles:

Day 2

37.0km/23.0miles

Day 3

42.0km/26.1miles

Day 4

34.0km/21.1miles

Day 5

27.0km/16.8miles

Day 6

86.0km/53.4miles

Day 7

37.0km/23.0miles

Day 8

83.0km/51.6miles

Day 10

60.0km/37.3miles

Day 11

7.0km/4.3miles

Day 12

88.0km/54.7miles

Number of days cycling: 10

Pace: Moderate: 13-16km/8-10miles an hour

Terrain: Low altitude; 90% tarmac, 10% rough sections

Itinerary

Show detailed itinerary

1Day 1Start Mysore.

Those on the group flight arrive in Bangalore and transfer by coach to Mysore, breaking the 3.5-hour journey for light refreshments. Those travelling independently should meet us in Mysore. After checking into our hotel there will be a short introductory briefing and time to relax (we may have to wait until around noon if rooms are not ready). We will meet at lunchtime and after lunch we have a short walk round the local markets. In the late afternoon there will be a bike briefing and fitting in the hotel courtyard. In the evening there will be a full trip briefing before dinner.See more images and videos

2Day 2Ride to Srirangapatnam ruins; return to Mysore; afternoon explore the city including the Maharaja Palace.

Leisurely morning ride to Srirangapatna, the ruins of Tippu Sultan's capital, destroyed by the British in 1799 during their final battle to secure control of southern India. The island fortress stand on an island in the middle of the Cauvery River, and once over the bridge we cycle around the old ramparts, enter Tippu sultans Mosque and the Ranganathaswamy Temple before riding back to Mysore for lunch (37km). Today for lunch you get your first taste of ‘ thali’ - the southern Indian meal of rice and vegetable curries or the typical South Indian ‘masala dosa’. In the afternoon we have a guided tour around Mysore Palace. Also known as the Amba Vilas Palace, it is the official residence of the Wodeyars - the former royal family of Mysore, which ruled the princely state of Mysore for over seven centuries. The Wodeyar kings first built a palace in Mysore in the 14th century, it was demolished and constructed multiple times. The current palace construction was commissioned in 1897, and it was completed in 1912 and expanded later around 1940. The décor is simply stunning, if a little bit over the top and the former maharaja is still in residence in his private quarters. Ride 37km.

3Day 3Cycle on the back roads of Mysore Plateau to Nanjangud; transfer to Bandipur N.P.

We leave the hotel and cycle out of Mysore town 7.4km and 200m up to Chamundi Hill to view the huge five metre rock carving of Nandi, Shiva's celestial Bull. There are also good views over the whole of Mysore. We then cycle back down the hill and continue along the quiet back roads which we share with herds of white oxen and women in colourful saris carrying water pots on their heads. We cycle to the important pilgrim centre of Nanjangud, with the beautiful 9th century Srikanteshwara Temple dedicated to Shiva. We have a tea break here with chance to look round the temple whilst the bikes are loaded onto the bus. We then drive for an hour along a busy road leaving the plains for the forested foothills of the Western Ghats (hills), once the hunting preserve of Mysore's Maharajas. We should arrive at our hotel in the Bandipur National Park in time for lunch, if not we will have something en-route. In the late afternoon we have a jeep safari in the park. We will see lots of spotted deer and monkeys. Look out for wild elephants and there is the chance of spotting the elusive tiger. Ride 42km.See more images and videos

There's the chance of another safari, maybe on foot, in the early morning, one of the best times to spot some birdlife. If you missed the early morning safari you still get the chance to see monkeys, deer and peacock as we cycle through the park leaving the Indian state of Karnataka and enter the adjacent, Mudumalai National Park in Tamil Nadu. It's a fantastic ride with jungle either side and some well-surfaced roads although we do ask that you ride in groups as elephants sometimes wander across the roads. The afternoon is free to wander the grounds of 'Wild Haven' a rustic planters bungalow with fantastic views of the Nilgiri mountains one side and Mudumalai Jungles on the other. There is a spotting platform and it’s not unusual for elephants and deer (and very occasionally a tiger) to wander right up to the lodge. There will also be the opportunity to go on a village walk on the outskirts of the forest and visit a local farmhouse. Ride 34km.See more images and videos

5Day 5Optional ascent to Ooty Hillstation (13km climb), former summer capital of the Raj; free afternoon to explore the town.

For some this is the highlight of the trip, ascending 1251m to Ooty (Ootacamund), an Indian hill station and the former summer capital of the Raj. It’s a very steep ride up 36 hairpin bends with stunning vistas at every turn, and there's an immense sense of achievement at the summit. Although steep there are plenty of photographic opportunities to rest at. Some members of the group may prefer to walk or enjoy a relaxed morning and take the hill in the support vehicle! After tea and cake at the top we have an easier ride into Ooty. Set at an altitude of 2,177m, the cool climate of the Nilgiri Hills gives us a break from the hotter plains below. Arriving late morning, we take lunch in our comfortable hotel. The afternoon is free to explore the town, and sample some of their famous cardamom tea. Ooty is called the ‘Queen of the Hill Stations’ and although now it is a busy little town there is lots to see and do. Originally occupied by the tribal Todas, the area came under the East India Company at the end of the 18th century. The British introduced tea to the area and the hillsides around Ooty are covered in tea gardens. The Nilgiri Hills are called the ‘Blue Mountains’, the blue colour coming from the many eucalyptus forests surrounding the area. Both the Botanical Gardens and the Rose Gardens are a short walk from our hotel. In the town there are many shops selling locally grown tea and oils and handmade chocolate. If there is time and it is running there is sometimes the chance to go for a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a steam train built by the British (your leader will give you details at lunchtime if this is possible). Ride 27km.See more images and videos

After breakfast we have a stunning ride across the rolling Nilgiris before starting the dramatic descent, dropping 2200m through the hills and tea-covered slopes of the Western Ghats. The ride offers fantastic views over the hills below and there are some viewpoints that should not be missed. 54km later we reach Gadalur, a typical Indian town with one long high street selling everything, its shop-fronts covered with colourful adverts and cheap children's toys. Here we have a tea break and stock up on fresh fruits and head towards Kerala and the final 32km descent, through tropical rain forest and bamboo covered slopes to our end point at a typical Kerala road side restaurant. We load the bikes whilst you enjoy lunch and then transfer to Guruvayoor (3.5 hours) to avoid busy roads. Ride 86km. (Please note that although the road is not very busy the road surface today is probably the worst of the trip. There are many potholes and the road surface is not even. Please take care and concentrate whilst cycling)See more images and videos

An easy half day circular ride. First we head to the beach, to see hundreds of colourful fishing boats hauled up on the sands beneath groves of palm trees. Then we pedal along country roads in the Thrissur district. The countryside, with its traditional ways and colourful people, provides many photographic opportunities. We then cycle on to a small church founded by the apostle St Thomas, who landed in India in AD 52 and established many churches in South India. We have a typical Keralan lunch before cycling back to the hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax by the hotel swimming pool or explore this busy temple town. In the evening we get a taste of South Indian street food and then we head to the temple. Guruvayoor comes alive in the evening. The Shree Krishna Temple is one of the most important places of worship for Hindus in Kerala and is the 4th largest temple in India. The town is filled with devotees and the temple is especially busy for the night pooja, with burning josh-sticks and fragrant flowers stalls adding to the atmosphere. People dressed in their best longis and saris light up the huge 7m-high pillar of oil lamps in front of the heavy temple doors, a truly gorgeous spectacle. Look out for the statue of Keshavan, the most famous temple elephant who lay down and passed away in the temple in 1976. He is idolised here and has even had a film made about his life! Ride 37km.

We set off towards the coast. Mango and coconut trees line the roads and life becomes that little bit slower. We cycle along quiet lanes by the coast. There is a ferry crossing late morning and then we stop for long lunch break at a beach restaurant where there is time for a swim in the ocean. En route we pass shrimp farms with huge tiger prawns for sale (Jhinga Kachcia Aam Kari is a speciality dish of Kerala State, and is made with green mangoes and prawns simmered in coconut milk and spices). In the afternoon we cycle along the coast again and finally board a local ferry to island-hop to Fort Cochin (Kochi). This town has a unique place in Indian history, and to soak up the atmosphere we spend the next two nights at a former residency of the Raj. The house, now a hotel, dates from the British period and the home cooking adds spicy flavour to our stay. Ride 83km.See more images and videos

9Day 9Free in Cochin to explore the bazaars and the old harbour.

A free day to explore the town of Cochin (Kochi), its bazaars and old harbour area. Merchants began trading spices such as pepper and cardamom with the Chinese, Arabs and Portugese more than 600 years ago. The Portugese established a base here, followed by the Dutch, who were forced to hand it over to the British is 1841. A potpourri of Indian and international communities, it is now a the bustling commercial capital of Kerala and consists of several islands connected by ferries. Most of the major sights are close by on Fort Kochi and Mattencharry. Warehouses filled with the smell of tea and spices are lime-washed bright green, yellow and blue; rickety old bikes and hand-painted trucks, piled high with goods fill the narrow streets and food stalls stand on every corner. St Francis Church is close to the hotel – built by the Portugese in 1503 it is the burial place of Vasco de Gama and his tomb is inside the church. Further along you come to Mattancherry and the Dutch Palace. Constructed by the Portugese in 1568, it was gifted to the Maharaja of Kochi before the Dutch took it over. Close to the palace is Jewtown and the Paradesi Synagogue. Built in 1568 for the Jewish members of Kochi’s trading communities, it is adorned with hand-painted tiles from China and elegant Belgian chandeliers, all donations from wealthy merchants. The area around the synagogue, called Jew Street, is a heritage zone with many antique and handicraft shops and is excellent for shopping. For eats you should try the fish market near the Chinese fishing nets, where you can buy the day's catch and have it cooked to your own taste. There are also plenty of shopping opportunities here.See more images and videos

Riding out from Fort Cochin we pass 500-year-old Portuguese villas, a striking contrast to the tiny fisherman's huts dotted along the beach road with their long wooden boats pulled up under the palm trees and nets hung out to dry. Many of these fishing villages are Christian; at Arthunkala the old stone church dominates its surroundings and is best viewed from the shade of a coconut tree whilst we have a tea break. Continuing along the coast road we head to Vambanad Lake and Alleppey, famous as the start point for backwater trips. We spend the night in a traditional Kerala cottage with coconut thatched roofs: its backwater frontage and tranquil gardens are as relaxing as the Ayurvedic massage and treatments on offer to its guests. In the afternoon and early evening relax on the veranda as backwater life unfurls before you. Ride 60km.See more images and videos

After a lie-in you can enjoy an optional short bike ride to explore Alleppey town 3.5km away, and stock up on gin and limes. Alternatively you can take part in a yoga lesson. Around midday we board a fabulous backwater houseboat for an unforgettable trip to Kollam (Quilon). These converted rice barges have 2 berth cabins with en-suite bathrooms and come with their own cook. With our bikes stacked on the side of the boat you won't see the saddle for another 19 hours, just relax and watch the world go by. Craft of all sizes use the lakes and canals that make up this fascinating network of waterways. The smaller boats ferry passengers and goods between tiny hamlets perched on narrow spits of land. On one side of the canal vast paddy fields of iridescent green stretch as far as the eye can see; on the other, are fishing nets and coconut trees. As the sun begins to set, the boats are moored together, and we gather for sundowners - a moment that is difficult to surpass.

We have breakfast on the houseboats as they move from their overnight mooring point to our disembarkation point. Here we meet the support vehicle and set off along a quiet coastal road to the Valaazhikal Ferry crossing. We load the bikes on a local fishing boat to cross the river estuary; we pass by Amrithanadamayi Ashram, better known as the Hugging Mama Ashram, aspiritual retreat overlooking the backwaters. We then join the main road to Quillon and have lunch at a sea side guest house: the fish is brought fresh from the market and cooked in mild spice and served with Poratta, a favourite Keralan bread. After lunch we are back on quiet roads for the last 30km to Varkala, a small hippie community with coffee bars and yoga schools perched along its cliff-top. We spend the next two nights here. Ride approx. 88km.See more images and videos

13Day 13Free to relax on the beach and eat the wonderful seafood.

Totally free to do whatever you want, strolling along the two beaches or just wandering around the shops, with a wide choice of beach shack restaurants for lunch, which serve excellent seafood. Try some of the Tandoori dishes - the clay ovens give a more authentic taste to breads and curries. The last night's meal is generally at the hotel with a fusion of all your favourite Keralan dishes.See more images and videos

14Day 14End Varkala.

Those on the flight inclusive package will depart for London early this morning, from Trivandrum airport, for the daytime flight back to London; Land Only arrangements will finish after check-out from the hotel.See more images and videos

Your images

Guided Group

This is a small group guided holiday. The group is usually between 4 and 16 in size, with an average of 12 like-minded clients booking individually, in a couple or as friends together.

Activity level

You are moderately fit and have an interest in remote or challenging environments. Some previous experience is required for activity based trips.

What's included

What's included

All breakfasts, 10 lunches and 4 dinners

All accommodation (see below)

All transport and listed activities

Tour leader throughout

Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)

What's not included

Travel insurance

Bike hire (available locally from GBP115 - paid on booking)

Single accommodation (available on request)

Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation details

Hotels, Lodges & Houseboat

You will spend 9 nights in hotels and 3 nights in lodges, all rooms en suite. You will also spend 1 night on a houseboat. Most of the hotels are comfortable tourist-class and all have en suite rooms. The bungalows at Wild Haven are clean but more basic. Houseboats are comfortable and all cabins have toilet facilities.

Single supplements available on request from £445 and from £645 for premium departures.

Essential info

Vaccinations and Visa
Visas are required if you are British and for most other nationalities. To apply for the Indian visa yourself you will need to go through the Indian High Commission's VF service (http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk) and visit one of their centres in person or use a visa agency, such as Travcour, to do visit for you. The current visa fee for British passport holders is GBP82 (plus a service charge of GBP7.44). For UK residents full details of the visa process will be provided with your booking confirmation.
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. The risk of malaria is slight but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Some of our India trips spend time at altitude. In regions over approx. 2000m, there is low to no risk of mosquito-borne diseases. For trips going to altitudes of over 3000m there is a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness. Our itineraries are designed to enable everyone to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be aware that it is still possible for you to be affected. Please see the TRIP NOTES for further information. Holiday style

Activity Level: 4 (Moderate/Challenging).
10 days cycling (including 1 very short ride), average 54km/day (33 miles), 100% vehicle support.
Terrain and route: mostly surfaced roads, a few rough sections. A good all round trip with plenty of flat, lots of downhill and a challenging hill. Routes follow mainly quiet back roads with low levels of traffic, but this does increase when approaching towns. We aim to cycle almost the entire route door to door, with only a few transfers. Plenty of cultural interest. Great for a first time bike trip or first visit to India, but lots of interest for those who have done bike trips with us before and want to see a different part of India.

Eating & drinking

All breakfasts, 10 lunches and 4 dinners are included. On Premium Departures: All breakfasts, 11 lunches and 5 dinners are included.
You should allow approx. GBP8 (approx. USD12.80) per day for lunch and dinner when they are not included, GBP2 - GBP3 (approx. USD3.30 - USD4.80) for lunch, and GBP4 - GBP5 (approx. USD6.40 - USD8) for dinner without drinks. This amount may vary according to how much you drink. Generally you can eat out very cheaply in India. There is a good choice of restaurants and sometimes there is a choice between Indian and Western style food. If you are a vegetarian, South India is an ideal destination. Lunches on riding days are usually taken in local roadside cafes. Tea and soft drinks are very cheap. A (large!) bottle of beer is approx. GBP2 (approx. USD3.30). Mineral water is widely available. Please note that service in restaurants can be quite slow.

Trip notes

Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want
to know about this trip, including detailed itinerary and full kit list.

Weather & seasonality

The most important feature of the Indian climate is the monsoon. The main monsoon strikes the coast of Kerala in late May and sweeps its way northward over the next month or so. The ideal time to visit is during the dry season from October to March. Days will be hot and the nights warm, the average range of maximum daytime temperatures being between 21 and 30degC and from 6 to 20degC at night. However, in the hills temperatures can be considerably cooler and you can expect temperatures to drop to a few degrees above 0degC at night. We ask you to note that frequent rainstorms can be expected throughout the tour on November departures. However, the storms are usually of quite short duration and the sun normally comes out fairly quickly afterwards.

Reviews & community

A great trip for first timers (on a bike trip or to India) and also for more experienced cyclists. Good mix of cycling and South Indian culture, good hotels and great food. Lovely thing to do when its cold and wet at home - its sunny and warm. Great team of staff as well to look after you.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Getting to the top of the Ooty hill. Hard work but worth the effort.

What did you think of your group leader?

Safi was our leader - a wonderful person. Looked after the whole group and on cycling days made sure we were briefed at regular intervals. Socialised with everyone in the group. Shibu the bus driver is great - he drove the bus, made sure we always had water and snacks and sometimes cycled with us. Vipin the assistant was an enthusiastic learner.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take your own saddle for comfort. Wear light cotton clothes as it is hot - I wore padded shorts under baggy cotton ones. Take the Ooty hill slowly - last few hairpins do one by one. Take swimming gear - there are a couple of swimming pools in the hotels and there is chance to swim in the sea.

On the long downhill from Ooty take it slowly - don't rush - its a lovely ride through eucalyptus forests. The road is very potholed and requires 100% concentration.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Enjoy - don't ride with the pack. Take your time to enjoy the scenery. Try the local food - Keralan food is amazing. The bike team are fantastic and look mafter you well. All in all a great trip with loads of interest, lots of mixed cycling and great weather.

Arguably the best travelled man in Britain, Phil has notched up over 100 countries since joining Exodus sometime (he won't tell us exactly) in the 1980s. His 10 years driving Exodus Overland Expeditions around Asia, Africa and South America included 3 north-south traverses of Sudan and various visits to Afghanistan. Office work has slightly tamed the man, and interests now lean more towards trekking - Dolpo in Western Nepal; and biking - wine trails of France.

After a couple of backpacking trips to far flung places, the travel industry seemed the obvious path for Olly. Since joining Exodus, he's been fortunate enough to continue his travels on 'work' trips as often as possible. Thanks to Exodus he's developed a passion for trekking, and has been sent up Mont Blanc, Mt Toubkal, Kilimanjaro, Everest Base Camp, Stok Kangri, Mt Triglav, and the Inca Trail. He now resides in the Sales team.

Questions about your trip

Do I need to take water purification tablets?

No, there is plenty of bottled water available daily and soft drinks can also be bought at every stop.

Ian Langford - Sales

Cycling in South India articles

Staff member Phil Normington travelled on this trip and you can read his article to get a personal viewpoint of the holiday.

Do I need to be super fit for Day Five's climb to Otty?

This climb is very achievable for all standards of cyclists. The best approach is frequent short water stops (with salt tablets ideally), take your time and find a comfortable rhythm. The main climb consists of 36 numbered hairpins, which vary in gradient between sections; the emphasis being almost entirely uphill. Few sections require you to actually peddle off the saddle. As you climb the temperature drops and there are frequent stopping points for rehydration and rest - the views do improve the higher you climb! The support vehicle will always be available for anyone wanting assistance or a breather, and the leader will be monitoring those less confident on the climb. The reward of reaching the top, along with the stunning views, make the ascent very special indeed - only to be matched by an exhilerating descent the following day, through the tea fields of the Western Ghats and onto tropical Kerala!

Phil Normington - Marketing Executive

What temperatures can I expect in South India?

Average temperatures range from 20C to 30C in the regions covered. The main monsoon in Kerala will start up around May and finish in September. The driest months are October through to March. Temperatures at Otty can drop to single figures as you will be approx 2200m above sea level. A jumper for the down-hill ride is advisable.

Olly Leicester - Sales

What clothing is most suitable when cycling around the Indian subcontinent?

Rural people on our cycling routes dress conservatively and both men and women need to adhere so far as possible to their cultural norms to avoid unwanted disrespectful attention. In particular male and female cyclists should cover lycra shorts with baggy knee length shorts or calf length pedal pushers. Women should not wear short shorts, strappy, backless, plunging or figure hugging tops. Loose fitting T shirts or cycling tops are suitable. We also strongly recommend that clients bring cycling gloves, cycling shorts and helmet. There are a number of hotels where clothes can be washed and dried by the staff.

Will Shoubridge - Agency Sales

Can you always guarantee a bike available to hire locally?

‘In-country’ bike hire should be arranged at the time of booking, and the cost will be added to your invoice. Please note that there are a limited number of bikes available locally. We always have to match a person's height to the bike frame size and, as there are a limited amount of each size, we cannot always guarantee availability of the correct frame. Therefore it is recommended you add the local bike hire as early as possible.

Andy Ross - Product Manager

Will the hotels have towels?

The hotels you stay at will all be good quality, with en suite facilities. As such, towels are usually provided but it's always a good idea to pack a small emergency one in the end of your bag as well, just in case. You may have an odd night where the standard is slightly lower but this will usually be due to where you are and, as such, limited by what is available.

Charlotte Taylor - Customer Operations

Tips from staff who have cycled Kerala and Tropical India

ClothingWhile I doubt anybody would say something directly to you, you do pass through some remote villages and areas where the lifestyle is quite conservative and definitely not used to western people in anything particularly revealing. As such, I think you need to quite sensitive to the local culture and err on the side of caution when it comes to clothing. So this means no lycra, or at least baggy shorts over lycra.

Long sleeves are good for evenings, as mozzies can be out. Just layer up with Deet on anything exposed, so hands and feets (they love ankles and wrists, think becuase your veins are more exposed), neck.

CostsCosts are hard to specify, but roughly £50 for snacks, water etc, £50 for tips at the end and £100 for meals not included. You can obviously spend over and above this and shop as much as you like. You can take some extra cash for this, or just use ATMs at different points. I think we changed a little at the airport for a drink on the way, and then the leader pointed out the banks the next morning in Mysore - it was very early anyway! It definitely wasn't a problem, and we got a good rate when we changed the larger portion, so shouldn't be any problem.

The cycling is mostly very pleasant, with lots of quiet back roads and more undulating than anything else. The hill to Ooty was tough, I won't deny it, but about half the group went the whole way up, a few dropped out along the way and a couple took the van. There's no pressure, as people can drop out whenever they want, it's not a forced march and it's still a beautiful drive, for anyone who does take the van.

Emma Garrick - Product Manager

Can I catch a Bollywood movie?!

Fancy a night out in India just like the locals? Head to a Bollywood movie and join the local in an evening packed with entertainment. The Bollywood masala movies are a mixture of dance, drama and musical with a break in between as most of these are lengthy 3 hours movies. This gives you the option to leave the theatre should you want to do that! The songs and dances make it like a 60’s musical where you could have the whole locals singing and dancing to the tune. Some movies become hits only because of these. Movie theatres that you may want to visit are; Raj Mandir in Jaipur, Odeon in Canaught Place, New Delhi, Filmistan, Karol Bagh in New Delhi - but all cities have theatres. A word of warning- try to avoid the rush when entering and exiting the theatre and the crowded area and keep valuables with close to you zipped at all times and enjoy the show.

Niraj Chand Shrestha - Customer Operations

Any good shopping tips for India?

Where do you start?! Half the joy of shopping in India is the sheer scale of what's on offer, from upscale boutiques in New Delhi, Mumbai and Calcutta to the crowded and sweaty markets of pretty much any town or village you come to. Handicrafts, art, leather goods, spices, hand carved statues, silk, the list goes on - all the way to cheap knock offs of western brands!

Remember, outside of the proper shops, haggling is the key but don't waste your time trying to split the difference over a few pence - the best result is when everyone comes away happy!

Charlotte Taylor - India Operations

What is the best way to take money to India?

Any time I go out, I normally just take sterling cash which, as long as you excercise the normal degree of common sense you would at home, is safe and easy. The India rupee is a closed currency, meaning you can only get it upon arrival in the country. There are exchange facilities at all arrival airports, and ATMs are available pretty much everywhere as well in case you need to top up along the way.

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

What kind of food should I expect around the Indian subcontinent?

There is a real mix available and you won't be disappointed! The local cuisine is predominantly vegetarian, with lots of rice. You can enjoy everything from traditional spicy curries to stalls selling tasty sweets and deserts and even right the way to western style grub, if it all gets a bit too much. Vegetarians and 'non-spicy' food people are easily catered for, and the leader will make sure a wide range of dishes are ordered for each meal.

Charlotte Taylor - Customer Operations

Do you have any advice about malaria and rabies?

Unfortunately we are not qualified to answer all your questions in regards to travel health, so we strongly recommend you contact your GP or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information.

Nomad Travel Clinics are experts in preparing people for travel, providing advice on vaccinations, anti-malarial and staying healthy whilst overseas. We have arranged a special 10% discount for Exodus passengers on any vaccinations that you may require! Take along your Nomad discount card, sent with your confirmation pack, or call Exodus for your special discount code.Visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/exodus for further information.

I've heard the 'Delhi Belly' rumours in India -will this be a problem?

India has delicious food to cater for all preferences but, like anywhere in the world, hygiene is important. Keeping your hands well washed before eating, staying as hydrated as possible and sticking to bottled water is the best protection against an upset tum. Otherwise, mashed potato is apparently a good cure!

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

Is it possible to get visas upon arrival?

No. Indian visas must be pre-arranged in advance. Check the Indian embassy website for details.

Land of the Tiger articles

Caroline Northcott, one of our clients, travelled on this trip a few years ago. Please read her inspirational article to get a personal viewpoint of the holiday.

Exodus staff - expertise on hand to help

All the staff at Exodus share a passion for adventure travel, and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. You can find an expert for the area you are interested in here and can contact them to get further information. If you don't see your specific country listed, please email customerops@exodus.co.uk and they will get the answers you need!

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Have you herd the news?
Our International Sales Manager and photography enthusiast Andrew Appleyard is just back from the Masai Mara where ... The news from the Mara plains is that the migration has arrived and our International Sales Manager has captured some superb photos of the action... The Great Migration Through a Lens1 day 7 hours ago.

Responsible travel

We realise that every holiday destination is also
someone else's home and that we should leave places as we found them. Find out
more about how we incorporate
responsible travel into our adventure and activity holidays, and how you
can help by donating to one of our
responsible travel projects